Highlights

• Significant increase in admissions for severe acute malnutrition in all Sahel belt regions of Chad, figures have almost doubled in 3 months: 7,348 in January 2012, 9,943 in February 2012 and 13,006 in March 2012; and 13,123 in April 2012
• Around 285 nutrition centres supported by UNICEF and its partners. Integration of Emotional stimulation in the treatment of SAM
• Plumpydoz distribution together with an integrated package of child survival interventions commenced in April 2012 to prevent acute malnutrition in seven Sahel belt regions
• Integration of the Communication for Development component in the prevention campaign
• Water, Sanitation and Hygien assessment at the nutritional / health centres and community levels completed and interventions currently planned
• Paramedics Initiative commenced May 1st .Recruitment, training and deployment expected during the second half of June 2012 to reinforce health/nutrition centres’ capacities
• While much has been achieved, UNICEF and the humanitarian community needs to massively scale up interventions. More resources needed to meet the needs.